Student Wellbeing

Supporting School Attendance

Regular school attendance is one of the strongest predictors of a young person’s academic success, social development, and overall wellbeing. While many students attend school consistently, we recognise that for some families, getting to school each day can be a genuine challenge.

There are many reasons why a young person may struggle with school attendance. Anxiety, friendship difficulties, learning challenges, family circumstances, health concerns, or significant life changes can all make attending school feel overwhelming. For some students, these challenges can develop into school refusal, where a young person experiences intense emotional distress about attending school.

We want families to know that they are not alone, and we're here to support. Our goal as a College is to work in partnership with families to understand each young person’s unique circumstances and develop practical strategies that help students feel safe, supported, and confident in returning to regular attendance.

Why Attendance Matters

Every day at school provides opportunities for learning, building friendships, developing resilience, and establishing routines. Even occasional absences can make it more difficult for students to keep up with classroom learning and maintain social connections.

Consistent attendance also helps young people develop confidence in managing everyday challenges which is an important life skill that extends well beyond the classroom.

If your young person is finding it difficult to attend school, these strategies may help:

• Acknowledge Their Feelings

  Listen calmly and validate their emotions without reinforcing avoidance. Phrases such as, "I can see this feels really hard for you," help young people feel heard while still communicating that attending school remains the expectation.

   

• Maintain Predictable Routines

  Consistent bedtimes, morning routines, and preparation the night before can reduce stress and uncertainty. A calm, predictable start to the day often makes school mornings easier.

   

• Keep Communication Positive

  Talk positively about school and avoid lengthy negotiations each morning. Calm, confident reassurance is often more helpful than trying to solve every worry before leaving home.

   

• Focus on Small Steps

  For some students, returning to full-time attendance may take time. Celebrate progress, whether that's attending for part of the day, entering the school grounds, or successfully completing another morning routine.

• Encourage Problem Solving

  Help your young person identify what feels difficult and work together to generate practical solutions. Sometimes a small adjustment can make a significant difference.

• Stay Connected To Us

  Early communication with the relevant staff, such as Year Level Coordinators or House Coordinators, allows support to be put in place before attendance concerns become more established. Please let us know if your young person is experiencing anxiety or other challenges affecting attendance.

• Avoid Long Periods Away

  Although staying home may provide short-term relief from anxiety, extended absences often make returning to school much more difficult. Wherever possible, maintaining some connection with school is beneficial.

   

• Keep Home Routines Consistent on School Days

  If your young person is unable to attend school, aim to maintain a normal weekday routine. Limiting access to television, gaming, social media, and other leisure activities during school hours helps reinforce that home is not an alternative to school. Where appropriate, encourage your young person to complete schoolwork, read, or contribute to age-appropriate household responsibilities until they are well enough to return.

When to Seek Additional Support

If your young person’s attendance is becoming increasingly difficult, or if distress around school is continuing over several weeks, reaching out for support early is important. Working together with families allows us to identify barriers, develop individualised plans, and connect students with appropriate supports.

Support at school might include:

• Regular check-ins with a trusted staff member.
• Adjustments to morning arrival routines.
• Wellbeing support through the school.
• Individual attendance plans.
• Referrals to external health professionals where appropriate.

Improving school attendance is often a gradual process rather than an immediate change. With patience, consistency, and strong partnerships between home and our College, most young people can successfully re-engage with learning and rebuild confidence in attending school each day.

If you have any concerns about your young person's attendance, please don't hesitate to contact your child's Year Level Coordinator, House Coordinator, or a member of our Wellbeing Team. Together, we can help every student feel supported, connected, and ready to succeed.

Scott Cadby, PACFA Reg. Clinical (21605)

Psychotherapist 

BA (Psych) MPsychotherapyCouns

College Counsellor and Wellbeing Coordinator

How Students Can Access College Counselling

• Self-referring to the Wellbeing Coordinator counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au 
• Drop-in to our Wellbeing Office 
• Requesting a referral from their Homeroom/Tutor Group teacher, Year Level/House Coordinator on their behalf
• Requesting a referral from their Parent/Guardian on their behalf (either via counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au or 9582 5999)

College Counselling is tailored to each specific student and can be offered one-on-one or in a group context. Support can also last from a ‘one-off’ session to weekly/ongoing appointments.

How Families Can Support Their Sons

As parents/carers, your role in your child’s wellbeing is invaluable. Some ways you can assist your child include:

• Helping them establish a balanced routine that includes time for study, relaxation, and hobbies
• Encouraging healthy sleep habits and a nutritious diet to support their overall wellbeing
• Being attentive to changes in their behaviour or mood, and gently ask how they are feeling if and when you notice any changes
• Promoting positive self-talk and help them set realistic goals for themselves
• Modelling healthy coping strategies, such as managing stress or problem-solving constructively
• Celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence
• Encouraging open conversations about their feelings and experiences – but accept and understand if and when they may not want to open up to you (if this is the case encourage them to seek help elsewhere)
• Encouraging and reassuring them that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness
• Staying informed about the services and resources the school offers

If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing or feel that they could benefit from additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Year Level or House coordinator of myself. Our staff work in partnership with you to ensure your child’s wellbeing is prioritised.

Scott Cadby, PACFA Reg. Clinical (21605)

Psychotherapist 

BA (Psych) MPsychotherapyCouns

College Counsellor and Wellbeing Coordinator